India have once again failed to defend their total of 300-plus runs as Australia defeated MS Dhoni and his men in the second ODI at the Gabba in Brisbane on Friday. With back-to-back losses against Australia in the five-match ODI series, India have gone 0-2 down and have to win the three remaining ODIs to clinch the series, which is a humongous ask.
India batsmen played some quality cricket to post a total of 308 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane on Friday, which was still not enough as all the Australia batsmen looked comfortable against India bowlers. Australia reached the target with an over to spare.
Australia openers Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh set up the winb for the home team with a first-wicket partnership of 145 runs, which was broken by Ravindra Jadeja only in the 25th over of the game, dismissing the right-hander.
The Australia batsmen, throughout the chase, looked comfortable, with George Bailey once again playing a brilliant innings, top scoring with 76 (not out) and helping the Aussies clinch the second ODI with ease.
The India bowlers were expected to perform better after their batsmen played well to put up a score of 308 runs. But, there was nothing to write home about for the India bowlers, with Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja claiming a wicket each. Ravichandran Ashwin, who is MS Dhoni's trump card, was a massive failure as the pitch did not support the spinner and the Australia batsmen played him without much discomfort.
Earlier in the day, Rohit Sharma once again starred for India with a brilliant 127-ball 124 along with some major contributions from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 59 and 89 runs, respectively. But none of these batsmen will be pleased with the result despite their individual brilliance.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan continued his below-par showing with yet another failure, scoring only six runs. MS Dhoni also failed with the bat.
With India 0-2 down, Australia have inched closer to the prestigious ODI title while India have just a day in hand to rethink their strategy as the third ODI takes shape on Sunday. The team needs to sit down and come up with a better plans to dismiss Australia batsmen, who have been scoring easy runs.
India vs Australia 2nd ODI highlights
First innings
Click here for highlights from 1-10 overs.
Click here for highlights from 11-20 overs.
Click here for highlights from 21-30 overs.
Click here for highlights from 31-40 overs.
Click here for highlights from 41-50 overs.
Second innings
Click here for highlights from 1-10 overs.
Click here for highlights from 11-20 overs.
Click here for highlights from 21-30 overs.
Click here for highlights from 31-40 overs.
Click here for highlights from 41-50 overs.
